Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Athens?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Athens?
Many travelers spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Athens during their visit. After all, the energetic city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the restaurant scene.
Athens is the capital city of Greece and it is a world class travel destination. It's filled with ancient historical landmarks and an amazing culture. The city's food and welcoming atmosphere make it one of the most fascinating and fun places to explore.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Athens? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Athens?
With one week at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Athens has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Athens as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the restaurant scene at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend a week in Athens
When visiting Athens, you absolutely can't miss the Acropolis as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
The culinary scene in Athens is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Culinary Backstreets of Plaka - Athens Food Tour ($140)
- Eating Athens: Our Big Fat Greek Food Tour ($86)
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries ($52)
Athens is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.
Athens is known for it's world-class museums and famous landmarks, so make sure you spend at least a day exploring at one or more of the most appealing. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Mythology Tour of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum ($239)
- Athens Small Group Tour with Acropolis,Parthenon,Museum and Greek lunch ($136)
- Explore the Acropolis & Museum Private Tour with a Local Guide ($157)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
The public transit in Athens is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Discover Ancient Ruins and Markets in Athens - Private Walking Tour ($158)
- Athens Food and City Private Walking Tour ($240)
- Greek Food Walking Tour in Athens ($79)
Athens is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Discover Ancient Ruins and Markets in Athens - Private Walking Tour ($158)
- Athens Food and City Private Walking Tour ($240)
- Athens Sunset Bike Tour on Electric or Regular Bike ($35)
In the large and diverse city of Athens, you'll want to dedicate at least a day to experiencing the unique neighborhoods, exciting attractions, and immersive activities offered around town. Don't miss out on visiting some of the city's famous landmarks as well. The city offers a major airport and many transportation connections for the rest of the country. Some of Athens most popular neighborhoods include Plaka, Psirri, and Syntagma (Constitution) Square.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Arachthos white water river Rafting at Tzoumerka ($65)
- Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Athens with Traditional Greek Meal and BBQ ($185)
- Athens Semi private Morning Catamaran cruise ($153)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Shopping in Athens is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Cooking Class in Athens with Shopping in Central Market & Lunch ($95)
- Artisans & Markets Walk - Your Greek Shopping Therapy ($109)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Athens.
After you've explored most of Athens, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Full-Day Trip to Meteora by Train From Athens - Local Agency ($224)
- Athens: Full-Day Trip to Nafplio and Epidaurus with Swimming ($43)
- Private Day Trip to Corinth Canal, Sparta and Mystras ($247)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Athens is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Athens.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Athens?
Two weeks is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Athens, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Enjoy the chance to wander through the museums, admire the historic sights, sample the delicious cuisine, and enjoy the evening activities on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Athens as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend 2 weeks in Athens
With 2 weeks in Athens, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time perusing the musuems, exploring the historic town, experiencing the city's neighborhoods, dining at local restaurants, and hopping around the bars and clubs. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Private Full-Day Trip to Meteora by Train From Athens - Local Agency ($224)
- Athens: Full-Day Trip to Nafplio and Epidaurus with Swimming ($43)
- Private Day Trip to Corinth Canal, Sparta and Mystras ($247)
- Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Day Trip with optional lunch ($108)
- From Athens:Meteora Caves & Monasteries History Day Trip by Train ($115)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Athens, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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